HC allows Assam government to suspend eviction drive

GUWAHATI: With the Assam government pleading for suspension of the eviction drive at Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, Gauhati High court today allowed its suspension but directed that the drive be continued against commercial establishments.

Eviction at the site had started last Monday.

As per Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s direction, Additional Advocate General Devajit Saikia made a verbal submission before the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Justice Ajit Singh, regarding the suspension of the eviction drive.

Following this submission, the Chief Justice allowed the government to suspend the drive. He also directed the state government to submit an affidavit on the same at the Gauhati High Court.

The Additional Advocate General submitted that the drive be suspended in view of ongoing school examinations and the hardening winter.

The Chief Minister is also considering the issue of rehabilitation of the evicted people, reports said. Finalisation of the modalities for this would take some time, the Additional Advocate General told the Chief Justice.

The matter is listed for further hearing on Thursday.